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Gastric Bypass

Using stapling and cutting devices, the stomach is divided into two very unequal parts. The top part, now called "the pouch," is only about the size of an egg. The rest of the stomach becomes called "the bypassed stomach," or "excluded stomach" because no food or drinks will be going into it. The bypassed stomach is not removed, and still makes stomach enzymes and juices.

Once the pouch has been created, food comes in at the top, but can't leave the pouch and then leaves the pouch through a small opening called "the stoma," and travel into the intestines where digestion can take place. The juices from the bypassed stomach travel down a different part of the intestines, and ultimately are mixed with the food. No part of the stomach or intestines is removed.

How it Works

There are four effects: restriction, dumping, reduced appetite and malabsorption. Every individual undergoing gastric bypass experiences different degrees of each effect. All of these effects work together to help a person drastically reduce the calories coming into his or her body.

Restriction

The small pouch and stoma mean that a person fills up on much less food. For the first few months after surgery, this may be only about a quarter of a cup. As time goes on, people can usually eat about a cup of food.

Dumping

The intestines are much more sensitive than the stomach, and this can cause unpleasant reactions to certain types of food. Usually, it is high-calorie foods, such as concentrated sugars and fats, that cause problems. Dumping can include nausea, diarrhea, cramping and low blood sugar. It is what helps you stay away from junk food.

Reduced Appetite

There is usually no hunger at all for the first few weeks to months after gastric bypass. Hunger does come back eventually for most people. When it does, the hunger is usually less than before surgery and can be satisfied by much less food. Gastric bypass reduces a “hunger hormone” called ghrelin.

Malabsorption

After gastric bypass, a person may not digest all of the calories in the food they eat.